I am desperately seeking my great grandmother's maiden name. Her first name was Dora and her surname was either BORGELT or MICHES. Dora had a sister named Rose and their parents came from either Germany, Austria, or Bohemia. They lived in Milwaukee but I can't find any birth certificates for them.

Dora married John Caspari and they had two children: Evelyn Charlotte (May 21, 1898) and her younger brother, Lawrence. (died of WWI injuries, no marriage, no children) John Caspari 's parents immigrated from Nassau, Germany and he was born in Minnesota April 1865 before his family moved to Milwaukee. He was one of six Caspari children. He was a brewmaster at Pabst. I cannot find their records either.

Evelyn married John Albert Rouse and they had two children: Dorothy and Betty (1923 or 24) They lived in Millwaukee and Chicago before moving to Hollywood, CA in the thirties. John died in 1954 and Evelyn died in Mount Angel, Oregon many years ago while in her 90s.

At one time Evelyn (my grandmother) told me Dora's maiden name was Miches and their were 13 children--she remembers Mary, Rose, Elizabeth, Kate, Frank as names. She said they came from Bohemia. However, my mother says Dora's maiden name was Borgelt. No one else is alive to remember. I need help.

If any of these people appear on your family tree or in your research, PLEASE contact me as I am going a bit nuts trying to solve this. I don't have a premier account so my access is limited. I am hoping someone out there will throw me a lifeline here.

Another interesting note....in the 1881, 1882, 1883 Milwaukee city directories it has John Caspari listed as a constable. John Jr is living with him at 497 14th. Not sure what that means. It shows John Jr was a confectionary maker and then candymaker....his roots before going into brewing perhaps?

Have you obtained Lawrence's death certificate? This would certainly have his mother's maiden name on it. It looks like he lived with Dora after his father died...they are listed in the 1930 census. I found the family in the 1900 and 1910 census records. Lawrence is spelled Lorience in the 1900 census with John, Dora and Evelyn. Lawrence is in fact older than Evelyn. In the 1920 census John, Dora (is listed as Victoria) are listed with Lawrence and Evelyn Rouse with Dorothy Rouse. In the 1930 census Lawrence is living alone with Dora. According to his WWI draft card his date of birth was 4 June 1890. He died 22 June 1950 an is buried in Wood National Cemetery, Milwaukee.

If you don't have Dora's death date...this would be an easy route to see what maiden name is listed on the death cert. If you have Dora's death date, her death cert should be requested. Here's the link for obtaining and uncertified copy from Wisconsin http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/F0/F05280.pdf